The Bug Doctor: Adam Villareal, owner and president of Insight Pest Solutions, entomology nerd, and family man. To help demystify the world of bugs, the Bug Doctor answers your questions during our weekly “Ask the Bug Dr.” blog feature. You can submit your bug and pest control inquiries for him on our Facebook page, by tweeting @insightpest, or commenting below.
What do I do if I have a tick infestation?
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses, so it’s important that you take measures to protect yourself and your family from them.
Ticks are external parasites, not insects, and they require a blood meal to survive and reproduce.
Some common species of ticks:
Left: Lone star tick / Right: American dog tick. Photo credit: Jerry Kirkhart
You may already know how to be on alert when you’re hiking or spending time in wooded areas, ticks can also make themselves at home in your own lawn or yard.
How can you prevent a tick infestation? Follow these tips.
If you see ticks:
When to contact a physician after a tick bite:
If you have a severe tick infestation around your home, we suggest you hire a professional pest control company to take care of the problem.
Sources:
“Prevention & Control: Common Ticks,” Illinois Department of Public Health
“Symptoms of Tickborne Illness,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“Ticks around your home,” Clemson University
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Do you have a question about bugs or pest control? We’d love to help. Let us know on our Facebook page, in the comment section below, or by tweeting @insightpest. You may see the Bug Doctor’s answer to your question in a future post.